CHICAGO – Thousands of diet and nutrition apps are available for phones and tablets... so many, in fact, there are even apps to find apps. Rather than choosing food and nutrition apps based on the same criteria used to rate Angry Birds, Americans can now identify the best, science-based apps to assist them in losing weight, managing diabetes and eating gluten-free with help from registered dietitians and spokespeople of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association).

“Americans are increasingly turning to apps to support them in achieving their health goals, especially for New Year’s resolutions,” says registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Marisa Moore. “While the right app can keep you on track to meeting these goals, the wrong app could be filled with misinformation and dangerous fads.”

To help consumers separate healthy, science-based tools from fads and misinformation, registered dietitians have reviewed and rated 30 of the most popular, free iPhone apps for gluten-free eating, weight management and diabetes:

“While many apps have sound nutritional information and can serve as a basis for healthy weight loss, no app can offer the individualized counseling, meal-planning and science-based nutrition expertise of a registered dietitian,” says Moore. “Registered dietitians have the knowledge and expertise to help everyone understand their personal diet needs, and help them develop an eating plan that is right for them.”

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.